Centre begins evaluation of welfare schemes in JK

IMRAN MUZAFFAR

Srinagar, Dec 28: In a latest move to gauge potential of state governments to handle multi-crore flagship projects, the Government of India has initiated comparative evaluation studies on the implementation of centrally-sponsored welfare schemes in Jammu and Kashmir. Official sources said the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has selected priority areas for research and evaluation for 2012-13 including comparative studies on implementation of social welfare schemes for Other Backward Classes (OBC) in J&K. They said the studies would find out the reasons for poor implementation of flagship schemes in the state including mapping of hostels for OBC boys and girls sanctioned so far, the status of their construction, quality of construction/maintenance, occupancy, covered and uncovered areas. The Centre has asked for extensive study on ‘Pre-matric scholarship scheme’ for children of the people engaged in ‘unclean occupations’ in Jammu & Kashmir. The Ministry has also asked for a study on implementation of the Beggary Acts existing in the States/ Union Territories including the extent, type and reasons for beggary in cities, pilgrimages and tourist places and Socio-Economic Rehabilitation Programmes for Beggars (including Child Beggars). The Ministry has also sought a report on ‘Self-Employment scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS)’ in the state, sources said. “The evaluation would also include compilation of all schemes launched by States and Union Territories for Older Persons and analysis of reasons of partial implementation of Centre’s policy,” a direction of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, copy of which is with Greater Kashmir, says. The Ministry has sought proposals for conduct of research and evaluation from universities, institutions and NGOs under set criteria, the official sources said. The Deputy Director General, Research & Evaluation Division, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Mukat Singh told Greater Kashmir over telephone that J&K Government was poorly implementing the welfare schemes of Government of India. “It is really sad that schemes are being scantly implemented there. So far we have received 58 proposals for evaluation of schemes from across India but none from J&K,” he said.

Patients shiver in freezing cold

CONCERN

MUKEET AKMALI

Srinagar, Dec 28: In a surprising move which is taking a heavy toll on patients including newborns in freezing cold, authorities at the Kashmir’s lone maternity hospital Lal Ded here operate the heating More

MM PARVAIZ

Ramban, Dec 28: Fresh snowfall and slippery road conditions led to the closure of Jammu-Srinagar highway on Friday evening. However, officials said the situation will be reviewed Saturday morning keeping More